Barbie Brockmeyer’s Journey in Animal Advocacy

Barbie Brockmeyer’s love for animals began at an early age, often filling her childhood dreams with visions of one day turning that passion into a purpose. Fast forward several years, and Barbie has done just that. Today, Barbie is an Adoption Specialist at Joyful Pets, a member of the program committee for 4Paws for Ability, a featured contributor in AKC Magazine, and is currently studying to become a certified canine behavior consultant.

Why did this care and love for animals begin? Who inspired Barbie to advocate for the little creatures she grew so fond of? For Barbie, it all goes back to her roots.

“My connection to animals runs deep—not just as a personal passion, but as a family tradition that has shaped every part of my life,” Barbie said. “I grew up surrounded by people who respected and cared for animals in ways big and small. My grandpa owned a racehorse named Mallard Green, and though he only ever won when Grandpa wasn’t there to watch, the story always stuck with me. It was the first time I saw an animal as something more than a pet—he was a partner in the family.”

Barbie’s dad was a hunter with a deep respect for nature and often brought Barbie along on HVAC jobs.

“He would always find a rabbit or frog, gently placing it in his hat or coffee cup for me to play with,” Barbie said. ‘Here’s a little friend,’ he’d say. ‘Play with it while I work.’ That simple gesture taught me how intuitive and expressive animals are—and how important it is to really see them.”

Barbie’s mother’s side, which had both Mexican and Aztec heritage, taught Barbie something even deeper.

“In Aztec mythology, dogs are sacred—they help guide our souls across the river in the afterlife,” Barbie said. “It was ingrained in us to always be kind to dogs, especially strays. You never know which one might be your guardian one day. My family never turned away an animal in need. That compassion lives in me today.”

Barbie was born four months premature and diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects her muscle tone and movement, making daily tasks more difficult. She often deals with tightness, spasms, and coordination issues every day. Barbie says that although this is a daily challenge for her love and passion for animals has helped her overcome many obstacles.

“Animals don’t judge,” Barbie said. “They don’t care what you look like, how you walk, or what you can or can’t say. They respond to kindness, presence, and love. And in that way, they give more than most humans ever could.”

With that mindset, Barbie exceeded her goals, graduating in 2010 from Butler Tech Natural Science Center with a degree in Animal Science. With her degree in hand, Barbie began volunteering for many different animal organizations.

“I volunteered to socialize service dogs in training, and taught puppies’ basic obedience so that they could adjust to different environments,” Barbie said. “I also serve on the program committee for 4Paws, where we discuss service dog training strategies and program development in monthly Zoom meetings. Volunteering has made me want to seek more knowledge, which is why I’m studying to become a canine behavior consultant. I want to help dogs overcome challenges like leash reactivity and anxiety, using compassionate, doable solutions.”

In 2024, Barbie’s close friend lost her son to Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and could no longer care for her son’s dog, Lucky, anymore. With no other option, they took Lucky to a shelter.

“To this day, I don’t know what happened to him—and it still haunts me,” Barbie said. “That moment lit a fire in me. I knew there had to be a better way to rehome pets—with dignity, care, and compassion. Soon after, I found a posting on Indeed for a position with Joyful Pets, a remote-based organization on a mission to keep pets out of shelters and in loving homes, as a pet promoter. I applied immediately.”

In May of 2024, Barbie accepted the role of Adoption Specialist at Joyful Pets.

“My role includes reviewing adoption applications, running background checks, and vet references, speaking with families and doctors, following up with potential adopters, and helping guide families through every step of the adoption process,” Barbie said. “Every adoption goes through a thoughtful screening process. We analyze applications, run checks, and ultimately present the information to the family rehoming their pet—they make the final decision. I provide guidance and recommendations, but the goal is always to support both the pet and the people involved with empathy, not judgment. It’s detailed work—but it’s deeply meaningful.”

Joyful Pets also has a program called “Stay Together,” which helps pet owners keep their animals by offering assistance with food, vet care, and supplies. Barbie says this program is not only extremely helpful to families but also a big part of why she knows Joyful Pets is her legacy.

“Sometimes, people don’t want to say goodbye—they just need a little help,” Barbie said. “At Joyful Pets, we lead with empathy. We’re here to support people, not judge them. We’re here to help animals find safety, stability, and love.”

For Barbie, working at Joyful Pets is not just a job. It’s her story, her family’s story, and her purpose.

“That’s why I do this work—for Lucky, and for every pet who deserves a second chance,” Barbie said. “Rehoming a pet is emotional. It’s hard. But it doesn’t have to mean dropping them at a shelter with no answers or goodbyes. It is so rewarding when an adoption works out beautifully and we get updates—photos, stories, and smiles. Knowing that an animal is safe, loved, and happy…there’s nothing better.”

Barbie currently lives with her service dog, Tully, Richie, also known as Chupacabra, for his wild energy and antics, and Pumpkin, a yellow bunny.

“Animals are not just companions—they’re healers, teachers, and friends who ask for so little in return.”-Barbie

A Note from Lauren McCarron, founder of Joyful Pets

“Barbie first connected with Joyful Pets as a pet promoter, helping spread the word about pets in need of new homes. Pet promoters receive a reward for each successful match they support, and Barbie quickly stood out as one of our most consistent and thoughtful contributors. From there, she began supporting more of our day-to-day operations, working directly with families who rehomed and adopted pets. Her steady presence and attention to detail have helped strengthen our service to both people and pets. Barbie is thoughtful, reliable, and brings genuine care to every interaction. She communicates clearly, follows through on tasks, and helps families feel supported throughout the rehoming process. She’s particularly skilled at reviewing applications, identifying key details, and ensuring pets are matched with the right families. She’s dependable and consistent, and her day-to-day contributions have helped improve our systems. Barbie reflects what Joyful Pets is all about: creating thoughtful, lasting connections between pets and families through care, responsibility, and trust.“

If you’re considering rehoming a pet—or adopting one—please visit Joyful Pets. Joyful Pets offers tools, resources, and compassionate support every step of the way. You can also learn more about the Stay Together program and other services designed to keep pets in loving homes, where they belong.